General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
11
Which GCC country led the 2017 Qatar blockade?
Answer:
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, with UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt, initiated the 2017 Qatar blockade, highlighting GCC divisions.
12
What was the GCC’s value-added tax rate introduced in 2018?
Answer:
5%
The GCC rolled out a 5% VAT in 2018, starting with Saudi Arabia and UAE, to diversify revenue.
13
Which city hosted the US-GCC Summit in May 2025?
Answer:
Riyadh
Riyadh hosted the US-GCC Summit in May 2025, discussing Gaza, Palestine, and regional stability.
14
Which GCC agreement, implemented in 2015, created a customs union?
Answer:
GCC Customs Union
The GCC Customs Union, implemented in 2015, harmonized tariffs to boost intra-regional trade.
15
Which GCC country is a constitutional monarchy?
Answer:
Kuwait
Kuwait, alongside Qatar and Bahrain, is a constitutional monarchy, unlike the absolute monarchies of Saudi Arabia and Oman.
16
What was the GCC’s economic growth forecast for 2024, per the World Bank?
Answer:
2.8%
The World Bank’s Spring 2024 Gulf Economic Update forecasted 2.8% growth for the GCC in 2024, rising to 4.7% in 2025.
17
Which GCC project aims to link member states via a regional railway?
Answer:
GCC Railway
The $15.5 billion GCC Railway, delayed beyond its 2021 target, has progressed in Saudi Arabia and UAE but lags elsewhere.
18
Which GCC initiative, launched in 1984, is a collective defense force?
Answer:
Peninsula Shield
Peninsula Shield, established in 1984, is the GCC’s joint military force, though it faced challenges during the 1990 Gulf War.
19
Who is the current GCC Secretary-General as of 2025?
Answer:
Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi
Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi has been the GCC Secretary-General since February 2023, succeeding Nayef Al-Hajraf.
20
What is the primary objective of the GCC, per its charter?
Answer:
Economic, political, and cultural cooperation
The GCC aims to achieve unity through coordination in economic, political, cultural, and security fields.